Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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Wednesday, February 26, 2003 |
School program honors local humanitariansHumanitarians from the Starr's Mill High School community whose work and efforts have helped to make a difference in the lives of both students and staff were honored during the school's first annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Program Feb. 19. The entire student body gathered in the gym for the school-wide assembly which was part of Starr's Mill's celebration of multicultural week. The intent of the program was to foster an appreciation of other cultures, commemorate Dr. King's legacy of justice and equality and recognize individuals in the school and community who have made outstanding humanitarian contributions. Social studies teacher and Student Government Association sponsor Karen Smith planned and coordinated the event. "This program marks the start of tradition to giving honor to those who give so much of their time and efforts to our kids, school and community," said Assistant Principal Ted Lombard. "As in the words of Dr. King, 'everybody can be great because everybody can serve.'" Students and faculty nominated award recipients, which included both organizations and individuals. Individual student awards were reserved for those in the 2003 senior class. Nominators were required to fill out a form explaining why the person being nominated should receive the award. A selection committee of approximately 10 teachers and community members met to vote on the winners. Next year, the 2003 winners will be included on the selection committee. The first recipients of the Starr's Mill High Humanitarian Award were (student recognition) seniors Erin Houghtaling and Maribeth Nolan; (organizations) the National Honor Society and BETA Club; (teachers) Kristin Hullinger and Stephen Pruitt; (community members) Doug Barnette and Kathy Hughes of the Fayette Town Center Chick-fil-A and Rick Ryckeley, a Fayette County firefighter. Following the award presentation, State School Superintendent Kathy Cox, who was introduced by her niece, Liz Kendall, gave a keynote address about the impact that Martin Luther King, Jr. has had on her life. "He believed that everyone had a purpose in life and could make a difference. I held onto his words when I decided to go outside the classroom to run for political office. I had fears of failing and the impact that my decision might have on my family but like King I chose to take a stand so that I could make a difference," Cox told students. In addition to the presentation of awards, the program also included performances by the Starr's Mill Wind Ensemble, the singing of "God Bless America" by students Paul Bowley, Mollie Ann Huff, Heather Lannan and Jake Turner and a rendition of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech presented by Gyawu Mahama of the school's Multicultural Club.
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